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Hi I'm Wendi

About Me

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I'm one of those "stereotyped" typical Mormon moms....just what I always wanted to be when I grew up! My husband and I have been married for 22 years and have almost eight kids--five biological, two adopted, and one more we'll be adopting in the next month or two. We were foster parents and have adopted the boys through the state, so there are some challenges, but we're learning a lot. My oldest child is 21, and the youngest is five, so there's always a lot going on around our house. I get to be a stay at home mom, and as crazy as every day is, I LOVE it! We live in the outskirts of a small town in Idaho. It's a great place to raise kids. If I ever have a minute to myself, I love going on dates with my husband, scrapbooking, reading and traveling.

Why I am a Mormon

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I was born into a Mormon family and have pioneer ancestors, but that's only partly why I'm a Mormon. As I grew older, I knew that I had to have my own reasons and testimony of this church. My parents' examples definitely showed me that being a Mormon is how we are happy in life. Gradually during my teen years I developed that knowledge--the joy I felt as I participated in church activities, as I read the Book of Mormon, learned more about Jesus Christ and learned to serve others as He would. Now, as I'm a parent myself and feel the responsibility of raising a family in this world of shifting values and broken marriages and homes, being a Mormon is priceless to me. Our belief that families can be together forever, even after this life, gives me an eternal perspective and a goal to work toward each day. It's definitely not easy all--or even most of the time, but knowing I can be with my husband and precious children after I die if I live as I should is worth it. I love this gospel and it's not just a religion to me--it's my life!

How I live my faith

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I am currently the leader for the teenage girls in our "ward"--a geological group of Mormon members. I am responsible for about 30 girls, ages 12-18, and help teach, lead and motivate them to keep the standards of our church. They are amazing girls and inspire me as I interact with them on Sundays and during the week. I also read my scriptures daily, including the Book of Mormon and Bible, and pray at least morning, evening and mealtimes. I ask for Heavenly Father's help to become the kind of mom, wife, leader and person that I know I can be with His help. I also try to notice opportunities to help others.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Wendi

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Our prophet has asked that young men, when they reach the age of 19, serve a mission for our church. Women can serve after they turn 21, and it is more of an option to them. This subject hits close to home for me, because our oldest son just returned this past spring from serving a mission in Brazil, and our second son will leave for a different mission, also in Brazil, next month. As a mom, I can tell you that it's hard to say goodbye to a son for two years, knowing that you won't see them and can only communicate with them through letters, email, and a couple of phone calls a year. It takes trust in the Lord to know they will be safe and taken care of. However, I can also attest to the wonderful wisdom of the Lord in calling these boys to serve Him and their fellowmen throughout the world! As our kids are growing up, we talk about and plan on them serving missions. Ultimately it is their decision. School, dating, jobs, etc. are put on hold for two years. Their desire to share the happiness they feel being a Mormon with others, and their belief in Heavenly Father and our Savior is the main motivator. Our family all feels that this sacrifice is small compared to all that we are blessed with. The amazing thing is, besides being able to share their knowledge of a loving Savior with others, the young men grow in so many ways that they wouldn't be able to otherwise. Their confidence deepens, their knowledge of truth and of the love of their Heavenly Father and Savior grows, and they even appreciate their mom and family more when they return! Missionaries can also be older couples, and my husband and I are looking forward to serving together once our children are grown. We want others to feel the joy we have in our lives.Show moreShow less

Do you really believe there is a prophet like Moses alive today?

Wendi

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YES! I really do believe that. I have never understood why there wouldn't be. I think the day we live in now needs a prophet every bit as much as people of old did. In fact, in my opinion we need it much more. I believe in ongoing revelation, that a loving Heavenly Father wants to give us as much instruction and help as He can throughout all our decisions in life, and that revelation comes through our prophet today, to benefit all of us. I feel safe as I follow our prophet because I know that what he says is what the Lord wants us to hear.Show moreShow less

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